Brightest Star Ch. 3


Daisy, I have come to the realization that, despite your obvious and understandable affection for me, your love lies elsewhere... in the heart of my best friend, Pippin recited as he tried his best to remain serious. He shifted his weight and held out the flowers, saying, Although I enjoyed your company and the prospect of being your husband, please take these as a symbol of my- Oh bugger! he said as he pricked himself on the stem of a wild rose and dropped the whole bundle of flowers on his feet, sucking desperately at his hand. Bless me! he yelled, Where'd Lia get the courage to pick these darn things without gloves?

Pippin took his finger from his mouth and inspected it thouroughly, finding the prick had stopped bleeding, but the sting remained. He gingerly tried to gather up the flowers in one hand and attempted his speech once again, his words interspersed with the occasional licking of his wound.

Please accept these... as a token of... my gratitude... he said, watching the little buds and stems fall to the ground one by one, ...for being such a good sport... about ... all this... No no, that's not right either. Pippin cringed at his ineptness, picked up all the flowers and started walking down the path again, still rehearsing his proposition.

The rose prick certainly took the spring out of his step, but as the path wound toward the center of the village where Dasiy Barrelcracker's family dug its Hobbit-hole many generations ago, a good deal of his nervousness evaporated. He slowed his walk to a dead stop when he noticed a very serendipitous exchange taking place.

Daisy, his no longer confused fiance, was giggling and flirting with Merry as he stood leaning on the wood fence between them. After a few minutes, Pippin could not help a smile as he watched Merry leave, happily walking away down the lane in the other direction. Maybe he did not have to work so hard after all. Pippin managed to conceal his amusement as he walked up to the gate, flowers in hand.

Hullo, Daisy-love! Pippin said happily, Tis a fantastic morning isn't it? He pretended his exuberance was a result of the lovely day when he saw the look on Daisy's face as he stepped inside her garden.

Daisy squeaked, Angel dear! Um... S' Marvelous morning indeed! She quickly glanced at the edge of her yard, hoping Merry had gone. Are those for me, Honey? Oh you're too kind! Why don't you come inside and have a sit? she added as she grabbed his wrist and pulled him inside. After putting the flowers in a ceramic vase, she dragged Pippin into the kitchen and made him sit down.

Suddenly reaching over the table and squeezing his hands between hers she looked him in the eye and said, Pip, I can't go on any longer like this.

What do you mean? he asked, acting clueless, Anything wrong, love?

Shiny, fake tears welled up in her eyes and she wiped them away. I've fallen in love with someone else.

Pippin strained to supress his giggles at her behavior, and deep down, he wanted to tell her the needlessness of her little act, but he was enjoying it all too much to say a word. He just sat there and stared blankly, his bottom lip quivering.

She lifted her hand and caressed his cheek. Oh, my poor, darling Pippin, she said dramatically, I'm so sorry about all this. What with the way I've been carrying on for the last few weeks, you couldn't have ever imagined it would end this way.

But you wanted to marry me so badly, Daisy... Pippin said, mustering a sniffle, Did I wrong you somehow?

Daisy walked around the table and stood behind Pippin in his chair, massaging his shoulders soothingly. Oh no of course not, dear, this wasn't your fault. I am completely to blame as I now realize I was too hasty in choosing which hero I loved best.

What on Middle Earth do you mean? Pippin said, turning in his seat so she could see his pseudo-confusion.

Leaning in to kiss him lightly on the cheek, Daisy whispered, Tis Merry I love, hon.

he squealed, blinking his eyes rapidly, My best friend, Merry?

Daisy tilted her head, looking down at him with utter pity. Oh dear Pippin, you poor thing. Please don't think me heartless. Never think I hadn't loved you all this time. Certainly, I loved you in the beginning, and I still love you as a friend should. As she said this she clasped his head to her chest. Pippin struggled to breathe as he realized for the first time how supple a bosom she had under that dress.

Oh I simply must make this up to you somehow, Pippin, my poor baby, she said, holding his head between her hands and staring into his startled face. She could not believe how well he was taking all this news. He was such a strong and forgiving Hobbit. Tell me what I can do for you, Pip, anything at all.

Pippin wrinkled his brow in wonderment and was grateful that all his laughter built up inside and came out in tears. His eyes scanned the room and noticed all the lovely fresh vegetables and meats and cheeses laying around.

Yes, anything! she practically yelled.

Licking his lips and choking back a sob, Pippin said, I'll sure miss your cooking, love... Do you mind-

Oh you sweet little Hobbit! she said with a big smile, Always hungry, always considerate! Do I mind? I could marry you!

Good luck trying that one on me again, Pippin thought, smiling feebly as she began to cook up a storm.